Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision. She stuck to her own ideas regardless of short-lived trends or others’ opinions. Thanks to this, her designs, such as this rare pair of “Triva” armchairs, are individualistic and timeless.

There is a certain gentleness to Hörlin-Holmquist’s designs, which many would call the ‘feminine touch’. Rounded out lines, unexpected curvature and innovative shapes from every angle define the design. The designer was fascinated with classic English upholstered furniture and style, which is clearly visible in these armchairs, however, she combined the English inspiration with Swedish ideals. The line tracing is very clear, with the armrests’ ends curve outwards ever so gently, a speciality of Hörlin-Holmquist. In service of comfort are the soft, removable seat cushions and the fully upholstered bodies with the original fabric in a warm, rusty colour. The back legs are slightly tapered, supporting the stability and comfort of the chairs.

Stockholm based furniture manufacturer and department store, Nordiska Kompaniet (1902-) produced many of the 20th century’s now iconic Swedish works, including many of Hörlin-Holmquist’s furniture designs. Nordiska Kompaniet's workshops were founded in 1904 in Nyköping and were once the city's largest industry. They produced furniture for Nordiska Kompaniet, including this graceful pair of armchairs.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the wood. The chairs retain their original upholstery.

Dimensions:

32.67 in W x 31.49 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 20.07 in

83 cm W x 80 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 51 cm

About the Designer:

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.

She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.    

"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..."

Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.

Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.